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Post by Allison Kazim on Jul 22, 2018 18:16:03 GMT -8
Early morning sunlight filtered through the forest canopy as Allison made her way along the road leading towards the core of Aurora, the territory that had once been nothing more than a wooded area with a blip on the map for its main village. Everything she'd heard about it had made her raise a brow at the thought once, a backwoods village of warriors who dropped attacks at the drop of a hat in defense of their home. That part wasn't what threw her. It was everything that proved the point she and everyone back home had: the uncultured and barbaric savages were everywhere once anyone stepped outside of home. Now it was apparently a booming territory, but even if it wasn't, there was something - someone - she wanted to see.
Stories still filtered through Cabal of a Trainee who shot through the ranks and made it to Command Squad in nearly record time. One who fought the Dragons and, even when he lost, was still back on his feet and fighting again. Someone who knew how to use a blade and had made his own place in the world.
She was in search of the Demon-turned-King of Aurora, with a favor in mind. And she would walk the entire way to his city and throne if she had to.
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Post by Blake Oleander on Jul 22, 2018 19:17:16 GMT -8
She would find Blake in what was serving as a throne room inside the mansion that he now resided in. The room was well decorated enough, though Blake's taste was still fairly spartan. Which was somewhat reflected in the decor which consisted mostly of swords on the walls and some armor and masks. The old wooden Elder mask he still wore on the side of his head, ready to cover his face should he need it. The crown that had been made for him was not on his head, he hated wearing it. It made him feel... odd.
She may have expected to find him sitting there in his splendor, or not. But whatever her expectations she would find Blake on his feet. Talking and meeting with all that came to see him personally. He had the build of a warrior, obviously, fit and his movements were that of a coiled viper ready to strike. Or a big jungle cat. Though a big jungle cat that was forced to put on fancy clothing, his discomfort with the role was visible, as always he was powering through it.
Beatrice, the delightful Qi sprite on his shoulder was fanning herself and now and then whispering in her ear. But otherwise was out of the way. Eventually, he'd make his way to her, his blade at his hip and another on his back as he brought a fist to his chest and a small nod of his head.
"You are a new face. How may I help you?"
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Post by Allison Kazim on Jul 22, 2018 19:29:37 GMT -8
She wasn't sure what she expected the rumored changes to be, but what she saw made her wonder just how much was actually true. No one could develop a land so quickly, bu there were merchants, a wall of qi crystal - qi crystal! She'd have to tell Mae - and roads. That alone was something she hadn't expected. So when saw the ruler of Aurora in the throne room, she took a moment to actually look him over, measuring him versus what little she had heard of him. Like the decor, his manner and build spoke of a warrior, tall and straight as an arrow, a strength and confidence in his own skin as a peculiar little woman whispered in his ear. Her dresse was extravagant, lovely - and out of place of what she expected. Apparently there was a lot of that for her today.
"Your Majesty." Were she a noble, she would have bowed, but this was a King in a new territory, while her rank didn't exist. The redhead dropped to one knee with her head bowed. "My name is Allison Kazim. I have heard of your story and skill, and have come to ask a favor of you, if you would."
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Post by Blake Oleander on Jul 22, 2018 19:33:13 GMT -8
He blinked, still not used to such grand displays. Or having cute girls kneel down before him like that. He cleared his throat as Beatrice whispered in his ear again. Though he didn't respond to her directly.
"Which is?"
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Post by Allison Kazim on Jul 22, 2018 19:38:19 GMT -8
She looked up at him, noting the way he cleared his throat. He really wasn't comfortable with this. It was almost reassuring, in a way. One who wasn't born to nobility, even if he wore the mantle now. After a moment, she rose to her feet, feeling more comfortable herself to address him on equal ground due to the nature of the request.
"I would like to request a friendly spar, your Majesty. To test my strength and ability against someone who has risen in name and skill as you have."
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Post by Blake Oleander on Jul 22, 2018 19:40:25 GMT -8
He pressed his lips together and looked her over. It was not what he expected, but he also knew nothing about her.
"I am not opposed to the request. However, I know nothing about you or the purpose of this request. Where are you from Miss Kazim?"
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Post by Allison Kazim on Jul 22, 2018 19:47:19 GMT -8
It was a step in the right direction, at least. Ali nodded slightly in understanding, explaining her thoughts more with the permission to do so.
"I apologize for my rudeness. I'm originally from Ayatlan - Territory 260. I was taught combat magic and how to use a blade when I was young, and came to Cabal a couple of months ago now. That's where I heard of you, and after the time I have spent there, I wanted to test myself against someone with a similar understanding." In a way, he represented what she wanted for herself. The life she aimed for back home, the ability to build herself up in the outside world first.
"I wish to test myself against one of the best."
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Post by Blake Oleander on Jul 22, 2018 19:51:08 GMT -8
"Magic?"
He furrowed his brows. That was a new one. He was far from worldly.
"Is that different than Qi?"
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Post by Allison Kazim on Jul 22, 2018 19:54:06 GMT -8
"No, not quite." She shook her head. "We use energy, but we draw it from the world instead of an innate energy. We learn, rather than develop. It's not something that just happens or you're born with."
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Post by Blake Oleander on Jul 22, 2018 19:55:43 GMT -8
He nodded.
"In exchange would you be willing to teach some of my men what you know?"
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Post by Allison Kazim on Jul 22, 2018 20:06:30 GMT -8
Again she shook her head, a little more vigorously this time.
"Unfortunately, that isn't something I can do. Our teachings our for those that are able to make it to our academy. Should I find an exception, I will gladly point you towards them." She couldn't offer him nothing, however, not after that. A "maybe" woudln't work either. She straightened a little, some of the pride of her family's work seeping in.
"I can, however, help open trade negotiations with a merchant company from our city. We do have enchanted items, as well - things that can have practical uses, be used in battle, or even luxuries. I can open a chance for trade with one of the companies, one that my family works for."
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Post by Blake Oleander on Jul 22, 2018 20:07:55 GMT -8
Beatrice would once more whisper in his ear as he mulled over her words, crossing his arms slightly as he frowned. But he'd nod.
"Agreeable."
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Post by Allison Kazim on Jul 22, 2018 20:16:07 GMT -8
She waited patiently as the tiny blonde on his shoulder whispered in his ear, wondering what was being said. It was hard not to wonder what someone was thinking of and advising for you when you were standing right within point-blank range, especially when he crossed his arms. It seemed she wouldn't be offering something he wanted, or the promise wouldn't' be enough to balance out her denial. But the truth was the truth, and their secrets didn't leave the territory often or willingly.
"Thank you." She nodded, suppressing a sigh of relief and gratitude when Blake finally accepted. "I can make myself available whenever you like." She doubted it woudl be immediately; he would have more important things to deal with first. Not to mention it woudl give her time to explore this little village more.
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Post by Blake Oleander on Jul 22, 2018 20:18:22 GMT -8
"I'm ready now."
Screw your expectations!
"Would you like it public or private?"
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Post by Allison Kazim on Jul 22, 2018 20:21:57 GMT -8
Expectations screwed! Allison blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sudden decision. Then, after a split second, a small grin tugged her lips as she nodded in consent and thanks alike.
"I would prefer a private match, your Majesty. If you please."
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